The Lord says, “The people of Israel are as dishonest as the Canaanites; they love to cheat their customers with false scales.

The Lord says, “All their evil-doing began in Gilgal. It was there that I began to hate them. And because of the evil they have done, I will drive them out of my land. I will not love them any more; all their leaders have rebelled against me.

After drinking much wine, they delight in their prostitution, preferring disgrace to honour.

I drew them to me with affection and love.     I picked them up and held them to my cheek;     I bent down to them and fed them.

So now, descendants of Jacob, trust in your God and return to him. Be loyal and just, and wait patiently for your God to act.

But the Lord says, “Israel and Judah, what am I going to do with you? Your love for me disappears as quickly as morning mist; it is like dew, that vanishes early in the day.

People of Israel, stop celebrating your festivals like pagans. You have turned away from your God and have been unfaithful to him. All over the land you have sold yourselves like prostitutes to the god Baal and have loved the corn you thought he paid you with!

The Lord says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart;     no longer am I angry with them.

Let your broken heart show your sorrow;     tearing your clothes is not enough.” Come back to the Lord your God.     He is kind and full of mercy;     he is patient and keeps his promise;     he is always ready to forgive and not punish.